Addressing the Need of the Forgotten: Recent Initiatives to Address Occupational Health Hazards amongst Salt Workers in India

Abstract

Objectives: In this paper, we review the occupational health hazards among iodized salt workers and initiatives to address them in India. Methods: A systematic electronic and manual search was conducted to identify literature on occupational health hazards and initiatives to address them in India. Salt Department in India, which is responsible for welfare of the salt workers in India, was also contacted and their annual reports searched.  Results: Major occupational health problems reported among salt workers were ophthalmic symptoms (60.7%), dental problem (33.6%-44.8%), dermatological symptoms (43.8%), hypertension (4.3% - 10.3%), and breathlessness (6.2%). Prevalence of pterygium in brine workers and dry salt workers ranged from 9.1% to 21.0%. States of Gujarat and Rajasthan provides death and disability benefits and occupational safety kits to salt workers. Salt Department has been providing financial assistance, for construction of rest sheds, cyclone shelters, and providing potable water in the salt works. Salt department has launched an insurance scheme providing death or disability benefit and educational assistance for dependent children. Twenty seven general health-cum-eye camps were organized and free medicines were distributed during 2012-13. The Department has also launched a scheme for skill up-gradation of salt workers. Conclusions: Salt workers suffer from significant occupational health problems. Universal provision of safety kits and modernization of manufacturing processes will mitigate the occupational health hazards among them. Recent initiatives by the Salt Department in tackling occupational health hazards of the salt workers may be replicated in other low-income salt producing countries.